Only use a thin layer of the gel. There’s no need to slather it on. An extra thick layer won’t provide any added benefits. For best results, leave the aloe vera gel on your face for about 10 minutes, then rinse your face with cool water and pat dry. Pure aloe vera gel may have a drying effect if you leave it on your skin for too long.

Avoid rubbing the skin on your face, especially the delicate skin around your eyes. This can damage and weaken your skin.

To make this scrub, pour a small amount of brown sugar into the palm of your hand. Add aloe vera gel into all of the sugar is well-moistened. Spread the mixture evenly over your whole face, avoiding the delicate skin directly around your eyes. Massage gently for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse off with cool water and pat your skin dry. Use this scrub at least twice a week, or as needed. Discontinue if your skin becomes excessively oily.

Skin produces oil when it gets too dry. If you use aloe vera gel too frequently, you can send your oil production into overdrive. This can lead to clogged pores, inflammation, and acne breakouts. If you’re just starting to use aloe vera gel on your skin, rinse it off immediately or leave it on for no longer than 10 minutes.

The enzymes in aloe vera gel also gently exfoliate your skin, removing dead skin cells that can clog your pores, leading to additional breakouts. This can brighten your skin, giving you a healthy glow.

Because both honey and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties similar to aloe vera, the mask may have increased benefits compared to using aloe vera gel alone.

Scratching tiny cuts can introduce bacteria into your skin, leading to additional inflammation. Aloe vera gel soothes your skin and makes it less itchy, so you’ll be less prone to scratching.

If you are currently using a prescription medication to treat a skin condition such as acne or eczema, talk to your dermatologist before you start using aloe vera gel or stop using any prescribed treatments.

You can buy tea tree oil online or in a local health and beauty store. The amount of tea tree oil you can use depends on how diluted the tea tree oil is that you buy. Store any unused mixture in an amber-colored, air-tight glass container. Keep the container in a cool, dark place. If you spread it over your entire face, the treatment may help prevent new pimples from forming. However, you shouldn’t use it as a substitute for other treatments without first consulting a dermatologist. Please be careful not to swallow the mixture - tea tree oil can have severe negative effects when swallowed. [7] X Research source

True aloe vera plants are not particularly ornamental compared to other aloe plants, and seldom bloom when housed indoors. An aloe vera plant has thin leaves that are pale green and heavily spotted.

Look for a planter with a single large hole in the bottom to drain moisture. If there is standing water in the planter, your aloe vera won’t grow.

In the northern hemisphere, place an indoor plant in a window that faces either south or west. If the leaves of your aloe vera turn dry and brittle, this may be a sign that the plant is getting too much direct sunlight. Try relocating it and see if the plant’s health improves.

Generally, you shouldn’t water your aloe vera until the soil actually feels dry to the touch. These plants typically don’t need to be watered more than once a week. During colder months, they don’t need as much water. If your aloe vera leaves are dry and brittle, consider how much sunlight the plant is getting before you give it more water – especially if the soil is still moist. Too much sunlight can cause the leaves to dry out.

Do not attempt to harvest aloe vera gel from a plant that has dry, brittle leaves. Relocate the plant and wait until it has regained its health. You can harvest aloe vera gel from a healthy plant once every 6 to 8 weeks by removing 3 to 4 leaves from the plant. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

This liquid is toxic and can cause stomach pain if ingested. Even if you’re only planning on using the aloe vera gel topically on your face, it’s still a good idea to let this liquid drain.

Wash your hands before you begin this process. Work on a clean cutting surface to prevent contamination of your aloe vera gel.

With practice, you may be able to harvest all the gel from a leaf in a smooth strip. However, it isn’t necessary for the gel to be in a single piece. Multiple pieces work just as well and may be easier to handle.

Aloe vera gel degrades over time. You can keep it in the fridge for a few days up to a week. If you need to keep it any longer than that, freeze it.